I HOPE our quaint old tavern stands Will keep right on a-standing, And grace the state from Bennington Clear up to Barton Landing; They represent the former days When common folks were grand— No sight that Old Vermont displays Can beat a Tavern Stand. You find 'em on the ancient roads That now are thundering highways, Or, victimized by "straightening plans," They beautify the byways; Those red brick structures, stately, square, The mansions of the land— There's really nothing, I declare, That beats a Tavern Stand. They rose before the elegance That marked the Georgian era Was lost in queerish gingerbread, Or concrete stuff that's queerer; The building boss had worn a blouse Before he took command, And he could build a meetinghouse As well as Tavern Stand. They mostly had a wooden ell, With barns and stable ample, And just inside, a sample room With Medford goods to sample; The traveler saw no bellhops hop, He heard no foreign band, But, just the same, he liked to stop Before a Tavern Stand. The landlord, he was always 'round To give his guests a greeting; He spoke their names and shook their hands And made a merry meeting; And then they entered up the walk, With dahlias on each hand— Oh! I could string a mile of talk About a Tavern Stand. The broad high chimneys, stretching up, Today look strong and solid; The pattern 'round the entrance door Makes modern doors look squalid; It's great to sight 'em as you ride, You feel your heart expand, I always raise my cap with pride Before a Tavern Stand. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT by JONATHAN SWIFT THE COTTAGER TO HER INFANT by DOROTHY WORDSWORTH APPLE-GATHERING by MATHILDE BLIND TAKE YOUR CHOICE: THEN THERE'S T.A. DALY by BERTON BRALEY CHORIAMBICS: 2 by RUPERT BROOKE ON BEARING THE CROSS by JOHN BYROM |